ISLAMABAD: The ruling coalition secured a landmark triumph in legislation, pushing through three major bills in a combative joint parliamentary session despite intense protests, fervent debate, and stark opposition, especially over domestic violence reforms.
During this critical session, parliament gave its nod to the National Commission for Human Rights Act, the Danish Schools Authority Bill, and the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill. These bills, previously sent back by the president for revisions, re-emerged with refined amendments and successfully passed.
Emerging with majority support on central agenda items, the ruling alliance demonstrated its solid legislative control and ability to tackle polarizing issues with determination.
National Commission for Human Rights Act 2025 approved
The National Commission for Human Rights Act 2025 was tabled by the minister of parliamentary affairs after addressing concerns raised by President Asif Ali Zardari. The bill underwent clause-by-clause scrutiny and ultimately garnered broad support.
A proposed amendment by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was adopted, while a contrasting proposal from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was rejected during voting.
Revisions to Danish Schools Authority Bill ratified
The Danish Schools Authority Bill followed with amendments to clauses 3 and 4, gaining approval despite vociferous opposition protests. Revisions now require provincial authorities’ consent for establishing such schools. Although dissenting voices lingered, the bill successfully cleared legislative hurdles.
Emotional debates over domestic violence protections
The Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Bill sparked the most passionate debates of the session. Backed by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, an amendment from PPP legislator Sharmila Farooqi brought a groundbreaking expansion to include male victims of domestic abuse—an aspect overwhelmingly opposed by certain members but ultimately adopted into law.
However, amendments proposed by JUI-F legislator Aaliya Kamran, supported by Senator Kamran Murtaza, were overruled in favor of Farooqi’s provision. The resulting bill received approval despite fierce resistance.
Opposition disruptions punctuate proceedings
During deliberations, two opposition lawmakers staged a poignant silent protest near Speaker Ayaz Sadiq’s dais, drawing attention to ongoing dissatisfaction with governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ignoring Sadiq’s appeals to defer their grievances for uninterrupted legislative work, they remained resolute through banner displays and seated protests.
Undeterred by opposition sloganeering, the assembly pressed forward and accomplished its planned legislative goals.
Clashes during domestic violence discussions
Arguments over the domestic violence bill featured fiery exchanges among Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Talal Chaudhry, and Kamran Murtaza. Murtaza voiced objections over perceived threats to family cohesion and property rights clauses but failed to curtail passage of the bill.
In defense of including men under abuse protections, Chaudhry emphasized society’s reluctance to address male victims and framed this move as a bold legislative step forward.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s vocal rejection
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman emerged as one of the staunchest critics, denouncing provisions in all three bills. He reserved particular ire for sections opposing underage marriages, condemning them as violations of religious tenets. Rehman openly vowed to defy these laws, declaring his readiness to officiate such marriages if challenged.
Accusing the government of violating democratic principles and bypassing proper consultation with parliament and the cabinet, he warned of potential mobilizations akin to his historic demonstrations against former President Pervez Musharraf.
Following these tumultuous exchanges, parliament concluded its joint sitting indefinitely after successfully steering all three contentious bills into law.
